Schreiber Foods pauses $211M expansion in Carthage

Green Bay, Wisconsin-based Schreiber Foods has paused its plans for a multimillion-dollar expansion in Carthage.

Schreiber Foods, a manufacturer of cheese and other products with annual sales exceeding $7 billion, pointed to an "indefinite pause" of its Carthage plans in a news release. The $211 million investment in the southwest Missouri city was announced in December.

Company officials cited "a thorough evaluation of current economic conditions and their impact on the project."

"We're disappointed to announce this pause, but it’s necessary given the current situation," said Ron Dunford, president and CEO of Schreiber Foods, in the release. "We remain committed to the Carthage community and will continue to support our existing operations and (employees). While this pause is unfortunate, it will not keep us from continuing to deliver exceptional-quality food to our customers and being an essential ingredient in their success."

The expansion project calls for a new 355,000-square-foot production facility in Carthage, with the creation of 250 jobs, up from 168,000 square feet and 150 new jobs when it was announced, according to the release. Schreiber Foods, which currently employs over 1,300 people in the community, lists Carthage locations on its website as 1112 W. Fairview Ave. and 127 W. Claxton Ave.

Andrew Tobisch, director of communications for Schreiber Foods, said a groundbreaking has not yet been held for the planned expansion in Carthage.